I admired all this as much as my neighbours; but I liked Joe’s constancy quite as well; and I thought it equally to the credit of master and man that, having passed through many changes of country and society, they had brought home warm and faithful hearts. ---------------------------- CHAPTER X. WHAT JOE HARPER SAW ABROAD. “I have a piece of news for you,” said my father, one day after dinner. “The news always comes with the dessert,” observed my mother, smiling; “and a very pleasant dessert it is for people who live in a country village.” “When it comes after dinner,” said I, “it is certain it can be nothing of supreme importance, because if it was, papa could not keep it to himself till then.” My father laughed, and said he had a good mind not to tell me at all, that I might see whether he could not keep a piece of good news to himself. “Perhaps I know it already?” said I. “That is impossible,” replied he; “for I was the very first person to whom it was told, and that was less than an hour before dinner. But come; let us hear what you think it is.” “Nay,” said I, “that would be letting out my secret: but if you will tell half, perhaps I will declare the rest.” “Well, then; the gardener tells me his daughter Maria is going to be married——” “To Joe Harper,” I instantly added. “Who told you, Lucy?” “I have known it these three years.” “Impossible, my dear. It was settled only this morning.” “Well; I knew that they were attached three years ago, and that Joe was constant, and brought back a true heart.” And I told the story. “I am glad you can keep a secret, my dear. But as to keeping a secret from you, that I am afraid is impossible.” “Nay, papa, I could not help seeing what was before my eyes; and I assure you I did not pry.” “No; you only laid circumstances together, and fancied a pretty love story out of them.” “And as true as it is pretty, papa. But I know nothing more than the fact of their attachment; so pray tell us all you can:—when they are to marry and where they are to live, and——” “And _how_ they are to live,” added my mother; “for that is the most important question.” My father told us that Joe had received high wages while abroad; and had saved a considerable sum. It was not yet settled what he was to do with it: but he had the choice of two or three occupations, for any of which he was well fitted. He added that Maria wished to consult my mother about their plans. My mother was ready to do anything she could for young people for whom she had a high respect and regard.